|
|
|
RAMp Up Your Computer Now |
|
Friday, 09 October 2009 22:08 |
|
Your Computer is trying to tell you something
Remember that new computer you got a few years back? It probably had about 512MB of RAM and the tech said you'd be just fine. It was true then, but just not anymore. That aging computer is getting choked to death right in front of your eyes. Why is your system getting choked? Let me explain.
Programs use memory (also known as RAM, didn't you notice the snappy headline?) For example, Adobe Acrobat, iTunes, Flash Player, Anti-Virus, etc all NEED a minimum amount of memory just to run. Think about your big clunky computer printer. It NEEDS a certain amount of desk space just to survive on your environment. There is a MINIMUM requirement, which is just barely enough desk space space to co-habitate, and there is a RECOMMENDED amount, which is a little extra desk space to load paper, access the rear plugs, etc. Now lets say that every year, you had to get a new printer and each printer was larger than the last, by almost half. Do you see how much of your desk space would be crowded? The solution is to get a bigger desk.
Programs are no different. Let's take a few common programs most people have and see what they needed THEN and what they need NOW.
Adobe Acrobat Version 4.0 needed 32MB of RAM. Adobe Acrobat Version 10 needs 256MB.
Norton Antivirus 2004 needed 32MB of RAM. Norton Antivirus 2010 needs 256MB of RAM.
These are two examples. That 512MB computer that you have is getting sliced in half using just ONE of the two products above. Think about how many programs you have in your system and how many updates you have done over the years. Lack of RAM is probably the biggest reason your computer is slow and has gotten gradually slower over time. It is getting choked. Upgrade your memory.
How do you tell how much you have?
Simple, RIGHT click your My Computer Icon and select properties (either Vista or XP). Your RAM will be displayed on this screen.
How much should I have?
Windows Vista machines should have 2GB Minimum.
Windows XP Machines should have 1GB Minimum with 2-3GB being ideal for XP. XP with 2-3GB FLIES!
XP Systems with 256MB or 512MB need to be upgraded.
How can I upgrade?
We offer very inexpensive onsite upgrades for our customers. We also can get the correct memory for your motherboard. Just contact us if you are interested at 951 733-6916
|
|
Last Updated ( Friday, 09 October 2009 22:13 )
|
|
|
Tech Teaching Series announced for Eastvale |
|
You can find the announcement and courses here |
|
32bit vs. 64bit...What's the Diff? |
|
Friday, 25 September 2009 16:54 |
|
The terms 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the way a computer's processor (also called a CPU), handles information. The 64-bit version of Windows handles large amounts of random access memory (RAM) more effectively than a 32-bit system.
So, 64bit Operating System versions are faster because they move twice the amount of data. The drawback? Some programs and hardware such as printers, etc do not support 64 bit. At least not yet. The support from third party software vendors like HP and Lexmark and many many others frustrates me the most. Even Adobe does not have a 64 bit version of Flash available yet!! . See what I mean? Getting a new computer with 32 bit and moving up to 64 bit is not possible without buying a new OS and re-installing it. So do not even think about upgrading. 32 bit only reads about 3GB of RAM. That's it. 64 bit reads up to 192GB of RAM. Please see this as a guide for Windows 7.
Advice: For new computers, bite the bullet and get 64 bit. If you have 32 bit now, max out your memory (RAM) and wait until you get a new computer. It really stinks being at the end of one trend (32bit) and the beginning of another (64bit), but 64bit is the future. Get 64bit and deal with the lame manufacturers that are having a hard time getting their stuff together to make things 64bit ready. |
|
|
Water Sponsor at 5k event. |
|
Eastvale Computer Services will be the water sponsor at the ERHS Family 5K and Health Fair. What is the water sponsor? Well, we basically buy the 1200+ bottles of water for the event. We'll have all bottles wrapped with our logo. For more info on the event, please visit the event site at http://www.erhsclimateboosters.com/5K.html |
|
Windows 7 Coming October 22 |
|
Wednesday, 23 September 2009 00:00 |
|
Windows 7 is the next Operating System from Microsoft. It replaces Vista and is really Vista done right. There are too many write-ups on 7 for me to do one in-depth, so I will not attempt. But, I will talk about my experiences and bottom line it for you.
*Windows 7 is slicker than Vista. If you know and are familiar with Vista's interface, there is not a big learning curve at all. If you have XP, Windows 7, as Vista was, may take a little getting used to, but well worth it.
*Since Windows & is built on Vista, everything that works in Vista works 100% in Windows 7.
*Windows 7 will upgrade pretty painlessly from Vista without having to reinstall any applications, but moving from XP to Windows 7 requires a replacement of Windows and requires apps to be re-installed.
*If you have XP and wish to make the jump, please be sure your computer meets the specs and you have plenty of RAM. 2GB minimum. I have Windows 7 on an old Dell with 2GB and it runs pretty fast for a 6 year old machine.
I have Windows 7 on three houseghold machines since March and highly recommend it as a replacement Operating System.
Want to tell if your computer can handle Windows 7? Here is a tool from Microsoft that will tell you. Click here and scroll down about half way. There is a blue download bar.
Here are some Windows 7 writeups that will be useful to learn more about Windows 7.
Supersite for Windows
Engadget Review of Windows 7
Advice: Get it!
Windows XP Death Date
Windows Vista was supposed to be the death of XP, meaning that as users migrate to Vista, XP will have an "end of life" date as they call it. because of the slow migration and the bad press Vista received, users were reluctant to jump on Vista, therefore extending the date for XP. With Windows 7 due to be released soon, you can be sure that XP will see a date pinned to it for the retirement home. Basically when it "dies" it means you cannot buy it anymore and Microsoft will stop pushing updates for it. At the point when Microsoft stops releasing web updates is the date when it "dies", at least according to me. Although there is no "drop dead date" from Microsoft, Windows 7 looks to be a major hit and Microsoft will run away from XP as soon as it can. Summer/Fall 2010 looks to be MY personal guess.
Once Microsoft kills XP by not releasing updates for it, Eastvale Computer Services will no longer work on XP machines that are hooked up to the internet.
Advice: Look to get Windows 7 either as an upgrade to your existing computer or get a new one with Windows 7 on it by next Summer. |
|
|
|
|
|
<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Next > End >> |
|
Page 2 of 8 |
